Inspired by the spirit of generosity during the holy month of Ramadhan, a new charitable initiative in Oman is urging the community to help students who left school or were unable to complete their education because of financial difficulties or challenging family situations.
The initiative has been introduced by Siraj and Mithqal LLC, Oman’s first digital philanthropy network that is fully integrated with a bank. Known as the Education Endowment Foundation, the programme operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs (MoARA) and focuses on providing educational opportunities to young people who wish to continue their studies and improve their future prospects.
Data from the Ministry of Education indicates that a notable number of students in both public and private schools discontinue their education before earning a secondary school certificate. Various factors contribute to this trend, including a lack of interest in continuing studies, financial and social pressures, health problems, and family-related responsibilities.
Mahmood bin Khalfan Al Hadidi, CEO of the initiative, said Siraj is the first charitable organisation in Oman to achieve full integration with a local bank, allowing donations to be processed digitally and securely. He explained that the system enables contactless contributions while recording every transaction instantly, ensuring greater transparency and accountability in the management of charitable funds.
Through the endowment, financial assistance will be provided to students from low-income families as well as talented young Omanis who require support to pursue higher education. The foundation also plans to invest in income-generating projects that will help maintain long-term financial sustainability.
Part of the donations will also contribute to waqf funds and the upkeep of host mosques. Mosque administrators and foundation officials will be able to monitor donations through digital dashboards that provide real-time data and analytics for efficient oversight.
Al Hadidi added that more than 100 donation machines have already been installed in major mosques across the capital area, allowing worshippers to contribute easily toward supporting Omani students who are unable to continue their education.
Although Oman has a strong primary education system with enrolment rates exceeding 98 per cent and generally low dropout levels in early schooling, challenges remain at the higher education stage.
Estimates suggest that 7,000 to 10,000 students leave colleges and universities each year. Some withdraw due to academic challenges, while others choose to enter the workforce, particularly in the security sector.
Statistics show that 53.3 per cent of higher education dropouts come from private institutions, while 46.7 per cent occur in public institutions. The highest dropout levels are seen in engineering and technology programmes (31.3 per cent), followed by administration and commerce (28.9 per cent). In comparison, Oman recorded a 94.47 per cent primary school completion rate in 2023.
Mazin bin Humaid Al Mahruqi, Co-Founder of Mithqal, described the initiative as a step toward building a more transparent and technology-driven charitable ecosystem. He said the project demonstrates how fintech solutions can strengthen trust and encourage wider participation in charitable giving.
Al Mahruqi noted that issues such as limited academic motivation, economic pressures and insufficient institutional support continue to contribute to student dropout rates, creating obstacles for the country’s long-term human capital development.
Under Oman’s education system, individuals without a higher secondary school certificate often face restricted opportunities for further education and employment.
Members of the public can contribute to the initiative with donations starting from 100 baisas or in multiples of RO 1 through more than 100 smart kiosks located in major mosques throughout Muscat.
Additional donation channels include over 120 POS machines placed in restaurants, hospitals and retail outlets, along with public donation booths in busy locations such as Mall of Oman, Muscat Mall, the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC), Waterfront, and The Village.
Organisers hope the initiative will channel the generosity associated with Ramadhan into meaningful action, helping young Omanis return to education and build better opportunities for their future.
Source: Oman Observer
